Fuel converter



A l 177 EX United States Patent BEST AVAILABLE copy [72] lnventor HaroldEdward Thomas 144 Liberty St., Long Branch, NJ. 07740 [21] App]. No.607,529 [22] Filed Jan. 5,1967 [45] Patented Dec. 15,1970

[54] FUEL CONVERTER 2 Claims, 6 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 261/90, 48/ 180 51 1nt.C1 8011'3/04, B01f5/02, B01f7/04 [50]Field ofSearch 48/180R, 180M, 180; 261/84, 88, 89, 90

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,228,517 6/1917 Batchelor48/180 1,430,299 9/1922 Flatter et a1. 48/180 1,546,663 7/1925 Laing48/180 1,565,181 12/1925 Manning 48/180 1,594,711 8/1926 Chapman 48/1802,576,602 11/1951 Herzfeld 48/180 2,669,508 2/1954 Christensen... 48/1802,216,722 10/1940 Denson 261/84X 2,397,230 3/1946 Armathes 261/842,922,631 1/1960 Koktan 261/84 FOREIGN PATENTS 205,363 10/1923 GreatBritain 261/90 Primary Examiner-Morris O. Wolk Assistant Examiner-R. E.Serwin Attorney-Cecil L. Wood ABSTRACT: A fuel converter for internalcombustion engines by which liquid fuel from a reservoir is injected asa vapor into a rapidly rotating baffle element and further atomized andconverted into a dry gas which is drawn into the combustion chambersthrough the usual intake manifold, ob-.

viating the use of a carburetor, whereby to substantially eliminate thedischarge of noncombustible gases into the atmosphere.

BEST AVAILABLE copy PATENTEDIJEBISIBYB 3,547,416

- SHEET10F3 9; I Q Q Q I I 1 II II 2 mm {:5

m N "3 :3 O R F 3 ch on N m L1 66% KJZWZ ATTORNEY BEST AVAILABLE COPYPATENTEU DEE] 5|97U 3, 547l416 SHEEI20F3 J: WWW M j- Harold E. ThomasFig.4 142mm ATTORNEY BEST AVAILABLE copy PATENTEU DEC] 5 I978 SHEET 3 OF3 INVENTOR Harold E. Thomas BY Monk ATTORNEY FUEL CONVERTER CONVENTIONALFUELS It is an established fact that conventional automotive fuels,while being highly combustible and generally satisfactory in theoperation of automotive engines, are not wholly efficient in that muchenergy is wasted and is discharged into the atmosphere as noncombustedhydrocarbon which not only represent the loss of valuable energy butcontribute to the already deplorable atmospheric contamination generallyreferred to as smog. Much effort has been engaged upon to eliminate thiscontamination but no known means has been provided to abate it.

One practical means of at least reducing the accumulation of airpollution due to automotive exhaust fumes would be to provide meanswhereby the fuel can be wholly consumed so that no combustible residueas carbon monoxide remains to be exhausted into the atmosphere. This canbe accomplished by reducing the liquid fuel to a dry gas instead of acombustible vapor such as that produced by conventional carburetion.Greater efficiency in the operation of the automotive engine could alsobe gained and thus substantial economic benefits.

SUMMARY This invention relates to fuel converters for internalcombustion engines, and it has particular reference to apparatus forconverting liquid fuels to a dry combustible gas and is especiallyadaptable to automotive engines.

A prime object of the invention is that of providing a simple andinexpensive device which is capable of installation on an existingautomotive engine, or embodied in a factory model, and by which gasolineof any standard grade can be reduced to a state beyond the ordinaryvaporous condition and rendered more highly combustible so that maximumefficiency may be afforded and the volume of noncombusted hydrocarbonscan be greatly minimized or completely eliminated.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of apparatus bywhich liquid fuels other than gasoline, such as kerosene, diesel fuel,and the like, can also be reduced to a gaseous state having far greatercombustibility than vaporized fuels.

Broadly, the invention contemplates the provision of apparatus which,while primarily designed for use in automotive engines, has thecapability of use in other fields such as in stationary engines andfurnaces, or wherever such fuels as gasoline, kerosene or diesel fuelmay be used.

While the foregoing objects are paramount, other and lesser objects willbecome apparent as the description proceeds, when considered inconnection with the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of apparatus embodying the inventionas applied to an automotive engine, the converter element and thesolenoid valve being shown partially in section.

FIG. 2 is another schematic illustration of a modified structure showingthe converter, the air mixer and fuel intake chamber in partial section.

FIG. 3 is another schematic view of still another modified assembly, theconverter being shown partially in section.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the invention as applied to astationary engine, such as a prime mover for an electric generator.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the invention as applied to a furnaceburner, and

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a typical electric fuel heater as usedto preheat diesel fuel prior to processing through the invention.

The primary element of the invention is the converter device which isshown in the drawings in housings of different conformations, dependingupon the particular application. In FIG. 1 the converter 10 is shownmounted above an automotive engine 11 in the usual position of aconventional downdraft carburetor (not shown), and comprises a turbulentBEST AVAILABLE cop fan 12 rotatably mounted on a shaft 13 within arectangular housing 14 which has an air intake opening 15 in its top 16covered by an air cleaner 17. The housing 14 is shown in section, orwith one wall removed.

Liquid fuel is inducted from a tank or reservoir 18, through a conduit19 by a mechanical fuel pump' 20 connected in the latter, and iscontrolled by a valve 21 which is connected by a linkage 22 to theaccelerator pedal of the vehicle (not shown) through rods 23 and 24which are pivotally connected at their adjacent ends to a lever 25 whichactuates a butterfly valve within the cylindrical chamber 26 fixed tothe bottom of the housing 14 and which has an opening 27 therein throughwhich the converted fuel is admitted to the fuel intake chamber 28, ormanifold, of the motor 11.

For quick starting of the motor 11 the liquid fuel is injected into theconverter housing 14, and into the presence of the turbulent fan 12, anddirected transversely of the axis thereof, by compressed air from acompressor 29 through an air conduit 30 into the fuel conduit 19 betweenthe accelerator valve 21 and the converter housing 14. A solenoid valve31 is provided to admit the air to the fuel line 19 and through the jet32 which atomizes the fuel as it enters the housing 14. Normally thesolenoid valve 31 remains closed and the liquid fuel is jetted into thepresence of the turbulent fan 12 by the pump 20 through the tube 33which communicates with the housing 14. Both of the elements 29 and 31are connected to the vehicle electric system through conductors 34 and35, respectively.

In FIG. 2 is schematically shown a modified arrangement of the apparatusembodying the invention. Liquid fuel is conducted from a reservoir 36through a line 37 by an electric pump 38 to the bottom of a pressurecontainer 39 and thence through a line 40 to the turbulent fan 12in ahousing 41. Compressed air is supplied to the container 39 through aline 42 connected to the upper end thereof by a compressor 43. Theconverted fuel, having been reduced to a dry gas by the turbulent fan12, is expelled from the housing 41 through a tubular conduit 44 into anair mixing chamber 45 where it is admitted to the fuel intake chamber ormanifold 46 on the automotive engine 47, show fragmentarily. A butterflyvalve 48 is ar ranged in the mixing chamber 45 to control the flow offuel to the engine 47. The electric valve 38 and the compressor 43 areactuated through electrical conductors 49 and 50, respectively,connected into the automotive electrical system (not shown). Thearrangement shown in FIG. 3 is similar to that shown in FIG. 2 anddiffers only in respect to the omission of the elements 38, 39 and 43. Amechanical fuel pump 51 is connected in the fuel line 37 which conductsthe liquid fuel directly to the housing 41 and into the presence of thefan 12 and the associated baffles 52 and 53 in the housing 41. Thebutterfly valve 48, shown in FIG. 2, is actuated by the acceleratorpedal (not shown) through a rod 54 connected to a lever 55 on the valveshaft 56.

In FIG. 4 is shown an arrangement adapted for installation in theoperation of a stationary engine 57 which, in this instance, is themotive power for an electric generator 58. Liquid fuel is conducted tothe engine 57 from a reservoir 59 through a line 60 to the housing 61 ofof the fan 12. A valve 62 is provided in the line 60.

In this assembly the fan 12 can be operated by the electric generator byemploying a transformer 63 connected in an electrical conductor 64 forcharging a l2-volt battery 65. A switch 66 is connected in the conductor64 which is connected to one of the posts of the battery 65, theopposite post of the latter being connected by a line 67 to thegenerator 58.

The arrangement shown schematically in FIG. 5 is adapted forinstallation for the diffusion of liquid fuel for firing a furnace orboiler, and embodying the converter principles of the invention wherebythe fuel is reduce to a gaseous state for more thorough combustibility.

The heavier types of liquid fuels used in heating apparatus, such asfuel oil, is not as readily reduced to a gas as gasoline or otherlighter fuels but may be atomized to a substantial degree BEST AVAILABLECOPY V a turbulent fan 74 similar to the fan 12 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3

and 4 rotatably mounted on a shaft 75 concentrically of the housing 71.

When drawn into the presence of the fan 74 the diffused fuel is furtherreduced to a gaseous state, or at least a fine vaporous condition, anddischarge through a connecting duct 76 to a burner 77 arranged in asuitable housing 78, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 5.

The fans 12 and 74 are of the squirrel-cage type and are rapidly rotatedby motors 79 and 80, respectively. The housing 14, 41, 61 and 71 arerelatively narrow and the fans operate in relatively close tolerancestherein so that the atomized fuel can be thoroughly reduced to arelatively dry gas which has high combustibility.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the housing 71 has a screened air intakeopening8lin the top thereof. The. fan 74 has the multiple function ofdrawing the fuel through perforated plates 73 by which it is diffused,atomizing the fuel to a gaseous state, and conveying the gaseous fuel tothe burner 77. The fuel supply to the burner 77 may be controlled by athermostat 82 connected in the motor circuit 83. it is also desireableto provide an electric means 84 for initially igniting the fuel at theburner 77.

HO. 6 illustrates, in elevation, a typical preheating tank 85 by whichsuch fuels are furnace oil, diesel oil, and the like, can be preheatedto insure ready ignition at the burner 77. The tank 85 has an inlet line86, and outlet line 87, and burner 88 shown in broken lines in FIG. 6. Athermometer 89 and a thermostat 90 are also provided.

The invention, although described in substantial detail, is capable ofcertain changes and modifications by persons skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and intent thereof or the scope of theappended claims.

1 claim: 1. Apparatus for converting liquid fuels to combustible gasesfor operating internal combustion engines having a fuel inductionmanifold, a fuel-reservoir, a fuel line connecting a reservoir with saidmanifold,.a solenoid valve and a jet in said line, and a fuel pump insaid fuel line, in combina tion, a housing defining a closed chamberhaving inlet and outlet ports connected in said fuel line between saidpump and said manifold, a turbulent fan rotatably mounted on a shaft insaid. housing between said inlet and outlet ports and having its bladesspaced radially from and parallel to the axis of said shaft and. inplanes transversely of the path of liquid fuel passingthroughsaidhousing under the influence of said pump and capable ofacting onsaid liquid fuel to atomize the same to a vaporous state, aplurality of baffles in said housing cooperating with said fan blades tofurther vaporize the gases, the said. baffles being arranged in angularplanes parallel to the axis of rotation of said fan, a mixing chamberconnected in said fuel line between said housing and said manifold, asolenoid for operating said solenoid valve, and means for driving saidfan shaft.

2. A device for converting liquid fuels into a substantially dry gas foroperating an internal combustion engine having a fuel inductionmanifold, a fuel reservoir, a fuel line connecting said reservoir withsaid manifold, a solenoid valve and a jet in said fuel line, and a fuelpump and an air mixing chamber in said line having a butterfly valvetherein, the improvements comprising: a fuel converter housing connectedin said fuel line between'said pumpand said mixing chamber and defininga closed chamber having inlet and outlet ports connected in said fuelline, a fan mounted on a shaft arranged through said housing betweensaid ports, thesaid fan having its blades 5 aced radially from andparallel to said shaft transversely of t e path of liqu|d fuel flowingthrough said fuel line into said housing, baffles in said housingarranged in angular planes parallel to the axis of rotation of said fan,a solenoid for operating. said solenoid valve, and means exteriorly ofsaid housing for rotating said fan shaft.

